‘Parklet’ coming to Central Ave. outside Rock Trout Café

Jul 17, 2018 | 1:00 PM

A unique addition to Prince Albert’s downtown will soon be constructed on Central Avenue.

Prince Albert lawmakers approved an encroachment permit and the bagging of a parking meter outside the Rock Trout Café to allow for the installation of a parklet.

The parklet, which will be in place Aug. 1 to Sept. 15, will be used to maximize the available outdoor patio space for the restaurant and the city will waive the estimated $700 in fees for the move. 

A parklet is typically an extended platform over a parking space, which can include benches, tables, chairs, and landscaping. They offer interesting public spaces and increase the space available for people to walk, sit and relax. 

The Prince Albert Downtown Business Improvement District sent a letter to City Hall June 27 asking for the installation. Executive Director Carolyn Carleton said the research for this project started in 2017, and the Rock Trout Café expressed interest in participating in the trial project.

“This initiative is a great way to encourage creative thinking and community building in the downtown core,” Carleton wrote. “It creates a welcoming environment and fosters a sense of community.”

The Business Improvement District will use $15,000 from its reserve funds to have engineering plans created. Due to the fact funds for the creation of this parcel are coming from the downtown organization, the parklet can be used in other locations and will be built so it can be taken apart, moved, and stored during the winter.

“After the initial creation we are hoping that there will be more interest and opportunities for additional parklets next summer,” Carleton said.

 

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr